A good patch

Dad is in a good patch nowadays. My dear cousin took my germy kids for an hour-and-a-half and I got to go see Dad. He has had a good five days: sleeping, eating, and doing therapy well. His spirits are good.

Tomorrow he will go by ambulance to Harborview in Seattle to see his surgeon. The surgeon will determine whether or not it is okay to take the turtleshell off. Once the turtle is off and Dad can do three hours of therapy, he can transfer back to St. Joe's and start his "Going-Home" work.

Dad looks forward to, and welcomes, visitors. If you would like to see him, please do. Around 7 in the evening works best for him, but some other times (especially on the weekends) also work. Just give me a call at 360/398-7687 or 360/920-4699.

A better day

Mom called to report that Dad had a much better day. He used the beazy board to both get into and back out of the wheelchair, he sat in the chair for an hour and a half without getting dizzy, he did an hour of his arm exercises, and he ate. I even got to talk to him on the phone for a minute or so and he sounded much improved.

all the news

Dad informs me that it was not a kidney infection, merely a UTI. Sorry for the misinformation.

He has not had a particularly good week. His tummy is upset (probably the antibiotics) and he is not eating well. He weighs just a tad over 200 pounds now. If you are praying for him (and we do hope that you are), please pray that his appetite and taste-buds would be renewed. It is very hard to see him so thin.

Weekend Report

Dad had a hard weekend. He was nauseated and feverish and generally ill. Turns out that he had a UTI that ended up as a kidney infection.

I got to go in last night to see him. Bear (his dog) went with me and was very cuddly and well-behaved. Dad and I got to have a nice long visit; these are rare for me as I usually have small people in tow.

The Official Word

Mom called this morning to report that Dad met most of his goals last week.

Every morning he shaves and brushes his teeth by himself.
He puts on his own shirt.
He puts on his pants with moderate help.
He can roll from side-to-side unaided.
He can sit on the edge of the bed unassisted (!!) for five minutes.
He can lean on his elbow on one side and then transfer to the other side with a little help.

I do wish I could see him.

Poor poor me

I've had a cold for the last week and have not gotten to see Dad as bearing germs into his room is a big no-no. Apparently he has had a terrific week, chatting and partying all hours. Everyone says that he looks great and is better tolerating sitting up and is general perky and engaged. Everyone says they've had lovely visits with him.

So, the reason you haven't had any posts to read is that I've been very busy sitting on my pity pot.